Approximately 400,000 tons of cocoa have accumulated on docks in Ivory Coast cities since the country fell into turmoil over President Laurent Gbagbo, who refused to resign and admit defeat after losing a national election.

Gbagbo was finally ousted Monday after opposition forces, supported by French and United Nations troops, captured him in the capital city of Abidjan.

International sanctions halted cocoa exports as part of an effort to choke off Gbagho’s economic resources and force him from office.

His successor, President Alassane Ouattara, who is internationally recognized as the winner of the election, told reporters that cocoa exports would resume immediately.﻿